In this study, we aim to provide families with a better understanding of how congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) may impact their infant’s long-term development and inform health care practices for these children. To do that, we are aiming to closely monitor the development of over 150 children who screened positive for CMV at birth.
We can’t do that without you!
Participants come to Minneapolis for study visits when children are 12-months, 24-months and 36-months of age. Each visit involves developmental testing. When children are 12-months the study visit also includes at least one brain MRI scan when the child is natural sleeping (no sedation or radiation). We schedule visits at your convenience and at no cost to you.
If your newborn tested positive for CMV, you may be eligible to participate!
Contact us or complete the interest form to learn more!
About the Research Study
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is an infection passed to infants in the womb and occurs in about 1 in 200 infants. Some newborns show immediate signs of this infection, but others show minimal to no signs of infection. Current knowledge about how cCMV infections impact brain development is limited, especially for children that have no major signs or symptoms at birth.
Our University of Minnesota research team is hoping to change that.
This study aims to better understand the full impact of cCMV infection on brain and early childhood development in children who showed few to no symptoms at birth.
Learn more about this study:
Who Can Participate
Families who have an infant 12-months of age or younger AND was identified as CMV positive at birth.
In Minnesota, this identification is done via the Minnesota Newborn Screening program and is performed from a dried blood spot test (usually done as a heel prick). Procedures in other states may vary.
We have some additional criteria that our staff will ask you about when you contact us.
What’s involved in Participating in the Study?
Initial Contact & Consent
You will complete telephone screenings with our staff to make sure you and your child meet all eligibility criteria.
You will then consent to participate and also provide consent for us to access your child’s medical records. We will make sure to answer all of your questions.
Study Visits
When your child is around 12 months, 24 months and 36 months old, you will complete an in-person study visit at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Prior to each visit, you will complete questionnaires and an interview about your child’s development.
- At each visit, your child would participate in developmental testing overseen by a licensed clinical psychologists. This includes the assessment of language, motor, and cognitive skills.
MRI Brain Scan
Around the time of your child’s 12-month developmental testing, your child would also complete an MRI brain scan during natural sleep (no sedation or radiation). We schedule 2 scans in case your child doesn’t fall asleep during the first one. If the first scan is successful, we will cancel the second scan.
Benefits to You
Families receive reports on their child’s developmental testing, up to $500 compensation, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses to Minneapolis.